In an impressive move, Swedish telecom company Ericsson has secured the contract from Vietnam’s prominent operator, Viettel, to deploy majority of its nationwide 5G radio access network (RAN). The agreement signifies a bold step towards advancing 5G technology across Vietnam, with operations starting immediately.
This partnership isn’t just about 5G, though. It’s also about modernizing Viettel’s existing 4G infrastructure. Ericsson’s commitment extends through the capital of Hanoi and will transform network services in the north and central regions of Vietnam.
This deployment marks a substantial upgrade through Ericsson Radio System, enhancing network capabilities and offering high-speed connectivity. Viettel’s approach includes preparing for New Radio (NR), using the available 2.6GHz spectrum for both 4G and 5G, with aspirations toward a future 5G Standalone (5G SA) network.
“This year marks a significant milestone year for Vietnam with the commercial deployment of 5G,” commented Viettel’s CEO, Tao Duc Thang. He highlighted the superior user experiences and new enterprise features that will arise, leading Vietnam into a new phase of digital transformation.
Unveiling further insights, Rita Mokbel, head of Ericsson Vietnam, emphasized 5G’s potential as a backbone for digitized economies. She expressed enthusiasm for exploring network slicing and other 5G applications. A Memorandum of Understanding between Ericsson and Viettel aims to promote a robust developer ecosystem, potentially leading to reliable applications powered by 5G technology.
Meanwhile, Nokia has also entered the Vietnamese market with its own 5G deployment partnership with Viettel. Nokia’s agreement involves supplying cutting-edge equipment, signifying the first nationwide 5G deployment in Vietnam. This deal will cover 22 provinces, reflecting Viettel’s strategy of pushing forward with digital transformations.
Both Ericsson’s and Nokia’s initiatives showcase the fierce competition among telecom giants to capture more of the emerging 5G market in Vietnam. As Viettel navigates this technological upgrade, it strengthens its position as a pioneering force in the region’s digital evolution.
